One hundred memorable images by documentary photographer Mark Adams present a powerful and moving portraits of a great Polynesian art tradition.

Tatau also tells the story of Sulu’ape Paulo II, the pre-eminent figure of modern Samoan tattooing. Paulo was a brilliantly innovative and controversial man, who saw tatau as an art of international importance. He was killed in 1999.

Accompanying Adams’ arresting photographs are two essays, and two interviews in which Sulu’ape Paulo II and Mark Adams each articulate their understanding of their own practices.

4 Responses

Hi!
I wonder if its possible to find the book about Paulo Sulu´ape II ? I was a good friend of his in Sweden and we are thinking of him a lot still….though its now 15 years ago the horrible murder happend…

Talofa lava Jenny,
Unfortunately the book is now out of print – you may be able to find a used copy online somewhere. If it is ever reprinted by Te Papa Press I will be sure to blog about it.Thank you for getting in touch
regards
Sean Mallon (co-author)